Basics of Forehand and

Backhand Grip &

Forehand and Backhand
Service
•  A GRIP IS A WAY OF HOLDING THE RACKET IN ORDER TO HIT SHOTS DURING A MATCH. THE MOST
COMMONLY USED GRIP IS THE ORTHODOX FOREHAND GRIP. MOST PLAYERS CHANGE GRIPS
DURING A RALLY DEPENDING ON WHETHER IT IS A FOREHAND OR BACKHAND SHOT. A GRIP IS
ALSO THE WRAPPING AROUND THE HANDLE OF THE RACKET. THERE ARE MANY TYPES AND
VARIETIES OF GRIPS; THE TEXTURE, THICKNESS, COLOR, MATERIAL AND SURFACE (FLAT OR
WAVED) ARE ALL FACTORS THAT MAKE GRIPS UNIQUE.
THE TWO TYPES OF GRIPS USED IN BADMINTON
• FOREHAND GRIP AND BACKHAND GRIP
> GRIP TO HIT FOREHAND SHOTS.
> BACKHAND GRIP TO HIT BACKHAND SHOTS.
• THE BACKHAND GRIP, ALSO KNOWN AS THE THUMB GRIP, IS SIMILAR TO THE
FOREHAND GRIP EXCEPT THE COMPLETE BOTTOM OF THE THUMB IS IN CONTACT WITH THE 3RD
BEVEL AND THE INDEX FINGER IS LOWERED DOWN TO A POSITION BELOW THE THUMB.
A grip is a way of holding the racket in order to hit shots during a match. The most
commonly used grip is the orthodox forehand grip. Most players change grips
during a rally depending on whether it is a forehand or backhand shot. A grip is also
the wrapping around the handle of the racket. There are many types and varieties of
grips; the texture, thickness, color, material and surface (flat or waved) are all factors
that make grips unique.

The two types of grips used in badminton

Forehand Grip and Backhand Grip
> Forehand grip to hit forehand shots.
> Backhand grip to hit backhand shots.

The backhand grip, also known as the thumb grip, is similar to the forehand grip except the complete
bottom of the thumb is in contact with the 3rd bevel and the index finger is lowered down to a position
below the thumb.
 Benefits and Limitations of Grip Positions
Benefits Limitations

Using the backhand grip during a backhand shot

Using the forehand grip is beneficial as it
increases power as the thumb provides
reduces strain on the wrist and arm.[1
substantial energy to the racquet.

More powerful smashes [2] Clears are too short, smashes are weak [2]

More accurate net shots and serves [2] Limited choice for the direction of your strokes [2]

Stronger smash defense, ready to return Difficulty coping when opponents hit towards your
smash on both sides [2] body [2]

Deceptive Strokes [2] Obvious stokes that your opponent can predict [2]

These are the four main types of services in badminton and most can be executed with
either your forehand or backhand.

Low serve.

High serve.

Flick serve

Drive Serve.
The low serve is used when you want the shuttlecock to land in front of the court (in front of your
opponent).
A GOOD low serve will have the shuttlecock flying JUST ABOVE THE NET.
If not, your opponent will have the chance to dash forward and smash the shuttle down to you.
A low serve, when executed beautifully, prevents your opponent from making an offensive shot.
The Flick Serve (“Fake” Low Serve)
The “fake” low badminton serve can also be used to trick your opponent (deceive your
opponent to expect a low serve).
When you stand in a low serve position, your opponent would probably expect a low serve.
However, push your thumb and flick your wrist harder so the shuttlecock flies HIGH and heads
to the back of the court!
The drive serve sends the shuttle fast and flat to the back of the service court. The
receiver has little time to react, so you are looking for surprise and a weak
response.
The High Badminton Serve
This type of serve is usually executed when you want the shuttle to land at the back end of the court.
A good high serve must have the shuttle dropping steeply downwards at the back end of the court.
A high serve will prevent your opponent from executing a strong smash. Instead, a lob or a drop is
more expected from your opponent (unless they can do a jump smash).